Kerala - Others

Plainclothes squads deployed in city

Staff Reporter

Action against pickpockets and drunken revellers

Thiruvananathapuram: As many as 250 mufti police squads have been deployed on the street to protect families from pickpockets and drunken revellers during the week-long Onam celebrations in the city.

Each plainclothes squad has a woman constable and two policemen. The squads would police major bus stops, Chala and Palayam markets, East Fort, Thakaraparambu, Museum Grounds, Kanakakunnu Palace, Poojappura ground and the arterial M.G. Road. Uniformed men would also be deployed in strength in these areas.

Intensive patrolling

The police have intensified patrolling in residential areas to prevent burglaries when residents leave their homes on long holidays or venture out in the evening to see the Onam festivities.

City Police Commissioner Manoj Abraham said not a single incident of burglary, chain snatching or vehicle theft has been reported since the start of the season. But the police were not taking any chances and security would be tightened further in the coming days, he said.

800 security personnel

Around 800 private security personnel guarding banks and ATM centres in the city were also helping the police in crime prevention.

The guards use their mobile phones to alert the local Sub Inspector of suspicious activities. Nearly 1,000 citizens join the police every night to patrol their respective residential areas.

The police have warned citizens, particularly two-wheeler owners, against theft of vehicles from public parking places.

All vehicles, particularly motorbikes, should be secured properly, an official said.

The police have requested citizens to keep in touch with beat constables and brief them about the any suspicious activity, including presence of strangers and unfamiliar vehicles, in their neighbourhood.

Inform the police

Ideally, citizens going on long holidays should inform the police of the duration of their absence and also the specific location of their house. So far, more than 70 residents have availed of the service, which is being offered free by the police. The request for police surveillance of houses in the absence of owners could be sent directly to the Commissioner through e-mail or post.

The Crime Stopper Cell (1090) could also be contacted for help.

Verify antecedents

The police have also warned citizens against employing servants without verifying their antecedents.

Whenever, a new servant is employed, his or her photograph, fingerprint and other details should be sent to the local police for verification. House doors should be fortified with iron bars and padlocks.

Keep doors closed

Even during day, ensure that doors and windows are kept locked. At least one light in the house should be kept on when occupants leave home to give the impression that someone is at home. Do not sleep near open windows at night. Ladders, tools and kitchen implements should not be left in the yard, the police said in a press release issued here on Monday.

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